The year 2023 witnessed a significant surge in the number of homeless individuals in the United States, marking a stark contrast to the preceding year, as the escalating costs of living compelled a considerable portion of vulnerable Americans into shelters and onto the streets.
The homeless population experienced a substantial increase of over 12% during the year, culminating in a total of 653,104 individuals grappling with homelessness. These figures signify the most pronounced upswing and the largest unhoused population recorded since the federal government commenced tallying such statistics in 2007, as reported by the U.S. Department of Urban Planning and Development on Friday. By comparison, the data from the previous year indicated that 582,462 people faced homelessness.
The annual calculation of these numbers is based on counts provided by local officials, capturing a snapshot on a single night in January. The recent statistics underscore a noteworthy rise in the population of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, placing them at an elevated risk of violence and criminalization, along with an increase in the number of individuals residing in shelters.
This revelation comes in the wake of earlier findings by the federal government, which pointed to escalating rates of poverty and food insecurity across the U.S. In 2022, the most recent year for which comprehensive data is available, over 12% of the nation’s populace was living below the poverty line, while nearly 13% reported insufficient access to an adequate food supply.
The pronounced increase in U.S. homelessness this year is attributed to the accelerated pace at which people are becoming unhoused, with a more direct transition from a housed to an unhoused situation, according to Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. Additionally, more individuals are reportedly experiencing homelessness for the first time, often transitioning directly from a lease into the homeless services system.
In a departure from trends in previous years, the surge in homelessness is observed across all populations and demographics, as noted by HUD on Friday. This encompasses increases among unhoused families with children and homeless veterans, painting a comprehensive and alarming picture of the homelessness crisis in the U.S.
Ann Oliva expressed deep concern over these developments, emphasizing the alarming nature of the situation. The multifaceted challenges posed by homelessness demand urgent attention and concerted efforts to address the root causes and provide effective solutions for those grappling with housing insecurity across the nation.